With the help of the internet, many moms can now stay at home and manage virtual businesses. Statistics indicate that 1 out of 3 women-owned businesses is by a mom. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Working from home as a mompreneur can be difficult, especially because your attention is torn between kids and work. The solution is to find the right balance between the two. Here are some ideas you can try out.
1. Interruption from kids: Seek the right childcare services
If you’re operating or managing a virtual business from home, you may face constant interruptions from the kids. With them around, your focus may go right out the window. There’s no doubt how much you love your kids, but if they’re causing constant interruptions during your working hours, you may need to consider alternatives. For example, a cost-effective solution will be to ask your family members or trusted friends to watch them.
Consider childcare services close to you. There are services like Mom’s Morning Out where children go for a few hours throughout the week to give moms a break. Ensure you conduct extensive due diligence to make sure you find the right one. You can get so much done in those few hours your children are away and in capable hands. These solutions can help take the pressure off you.
2. Unstable internet connectivity: Use a different provider
Your reliance on stable internet connectivity cannot be overlooked when running an online business. The more stable the connection, the more you can get things done and avoid downtimes. Unfortunately, it’s not always a rosy situation, especially when you have to deal with slow loading times that have nothing to do with the quality of your website. In such cases, you are likely to lose customers, so it is a good idea to find a new service provider.
Fortunately, you will find agencies that provide homes and businesses with a long list of internet providers that offer reliable services. Even better, you may land a provider offering a more affordable monthly rate that doesn’t impair service quality. Because of the pandemic, in-house data demand shot up by 73% from March to July 2020. It helps to see your internet as the fuel your online business runs on. Without it, your virtual establishment may very well be non-existent.
3. Financial instability: Search for viable options
Financial instability or a lack of funds to sustain the business is one of the commonest issues mompreneurs face. And it is very important to have some financial management skills. While you may have used personal funds to start the business, there comes a time when you need more to keep it operational. Understandably, you may not want to consider the prospects of a bank loan in these uncertain times. However, you can explore other viable options.
For example, can you make extra income by signing up for an online or remote job that takes only a few hours? Currently, there is an increased demand for virtual assistants, and the hourly rate is from $18 to $35. Indeed, your skill level and experience determine how much you are likely to make. But as long as you can combine this job with other domestic demands, it may be worth considering. Fortunately, those hours as a virtual assistant are flexible, making it worth your while. Before you know it, you will be making a steady income on the side to supplement your business’ financial needs.
From interruptions from kids to financial instability, owning a business comes with its challenges. Hopefully, these solutions help you navigate life as a mompreneur.
